US Department of Defense

Hegseth reportedly sees himself as appealing to US President Donald Trump's MAGA voter base through similar attributes to the president, NBC reported.

The Lincoln, which left the Middle East on Saturday, has not made a port call in more ⁠than 200 days, setting a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea.

The leaders of Britain and France pledged to provide Ukraine with stronger military support, including access to classified technology and faster deliveries of air defense missiles.

This follows Hegseth's April firing of General Randy George as the Army's chief of staff without explanation, drawing criticism from Republicans in Congress and from Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.

"According to the notice, I am being fired for stating in a CBS interview that hypothetical censorship of news for service members would constitute a personal red line," Erik Slavin said.

Israeli defense-tech company XTEND has expanded its role in the US’s Drone Dominance Program, with its US-manufactured X-Strike package accepted as a weapons solution for the Pentagon.

The Defense Department did not publicly list the 30 US schools to be reviewed for suspected ties to 130 research institutes based in Russia, China, and Iran, including civilian universities.

In May, Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach told the House Armed Services committee that during the war, the Reaper was "perhaps the most valuable player."

The drone initiative is an important development is harnessing the capabilities of US allies and partners in the region.

A 15% tariff will be imposed on drones and components from the European Union, Japan, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Switzerland, and Taiwan.